Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada for their World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.
"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government," FIFA said in a statement on Friday released to the UK's Press Association.
The Villarreal man was last year charged in London with seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault 2020-22. He was then an Arsenal player.
Partey has denied the charges and is set to stand trial next year.
Ghana's second and third Group L games against England and Croatia are in the US, where he appears to have gained a visa.
"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country," the statement continued.
